The College of Natural and Applied Sciences has an important role to play in fostering reconciliation and acknowledging Indigenous rights, territories and knowledge.

Together, we are building community and taking action to ensure that our classrooms, boardrooms and learning opportunities are open and accessible to Indigenous students and staff within a safe and welcoming environment and with an appreciation for Indigenous ways of teaching, learning and knowing. We continue efforts to increase Indigenous representation, in our academic workforce and in leadership, particularly in the STEM fields, where much work is still needed.

Our efforts are guided by a framework of principles that include Braiding Past, Present and Future: the University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan, SHAPE: The University Strategic Plan, the Strategic Plan for EDI, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls To Action and the United Nations Declaration On The Rights of Indigenous Peoples .

Leadership

Ceilidh Morrissette joined CNAS as the Indigenous Initiatives Strategic Officer in December 2023. In her role, she works collaboratively with the college, faculty and staff to seamlessly integrate Indigenous initiatives and perspectives into their work and teaching, ensuring alignment with the CNAS's strategic direction, the university’s Braiding Past, Present, and Future strategic plan, and the imperatives outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. She also works with the Vice Provost of Indigenous Programming and Research.

Ceilidh is Cree/Métis from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. She is also a member of the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Advisory Council and the Indigenous Research Strategy Task Force.